Johnathan Thurston says the Cowboys Cairns camp will help mentally strengthen the team

FORGET “going troppo” — Cowboys playmaker Johnathan Thurston reckons a trip north will help his side think clearly in case of yet another refereeing blunder.

The NQ Cowboys pre-season training at the Townsville Sports Reserve. Johnathan Thurston. Picture: Wesley Monts

COWBOYS skipper Johnathan Thurston will be physically stronger for his first full preseason in eight years, but it’s mental toughness that is needed to take North Queensland to premiership glory in 2015.

Thurston returned to full training in Townsville this week, the first time he has been back before Christmas since launching his Test career in 2006.

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With Matt Scott and James Tamou also back on deck after missing the Four Nations with injury coach Paul Green has a near full roster of players to take on a gruelling camp to Cairns this week where Thurston hopes they find the mental fortitude to become a title threat.

“That is another thing for us as a club and as a playing group to put ourselves under uncomfortable positions and situations and see how we react to it,” Thurston said.

“There was instances throughout the year that we probably didn’t react too great to like referee decisions and things like that.

Johnathan Thurston after the devastating loss to the Roosters in this year’s finals series. Pic Mark Evans

“If this makes us mentally tougher the boys should get a lot out of it and that will help us for what we’re trying to achieve next year.”

Although Thurston is back training, he is still somewhat limited in some of his strength training in the gym because of his ongoing shoulder issues.

Being back on the field at least gives Thurston the power to drive the Cowboys sessions to ensure Green’s game plan and structures are well drilled into the outfit well before round one.

Coming off a record third Dally M season, plus a nomination to win a record third Golden Boot award next month, Thurston believes returning to training so early in the preseason will set him and the club up strongly.

“It was the first time I’ve had eight or nine weeks off in seven or so years. The body feels really good and I can’t wait,” he said.

“We had new structures all this year and to be able to train alongside the boys and making sure we are get everything right is what I’m looking forward to most.